We would like to thank everyone who contributed to our fund to take a Judicial Review to the High Court regarding the Cruise Ship project in Dun Laoghaire Harbour.
As you will be aware, we won our case and our legal costs will be paid by An Bord Pleanala.
However, we had a number of other costs which are not covered in the award, including hire of rooms for meetings, printing, etc in relation to the Judicial Review.
We are asking your permission to use these funds to pay for these costs. This was just another battle, and unfortunately not the last one, in the fight to save Dun Laoghaire Harbour. We need to continue the fight to save our harbour.
We are closing the fund as it was opened specifically to take the Judicial Review. There will be a small amount left over from the fund after we have cleared our outstanding bills. We would like your permission to use this money to defend our harbour in the battles ahead. I hope this is acceptable to all our supporters – we rely on you to support us in the battles ahead.

Please don't hesitate to contact us via the contact form on www.saveourseafront.net or by email to saveourseafront@gmail.com

Great news from Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council 7 March 2018

After a long council meeting last night, attended by many members and supporters of Save Our Seafront, the council voted 24 - 9 in favour of a motion proposed by Cllr Melisa Halpin and seconded by Cllr Dave O Keeffe to support the Chief Executive's recommendation to bring Dun Laoghaire Harbour under democratic control of the council.

Save Our Seafront has long been campaigning for this, in order to ensure the development of the harbour in the interests of the people, the town, the county and indeed the whole country.

The vote took place in the context of a recent risk assessment received by the council which shows the figure of €31.5 million to bring the harbour up to “Taking in Charge” standard. This is a notional figure which may be needed to be spent over the coming years to maintain the harbour in first class condition. Cllr Halpin's motion went on to call for the Minister for Transport to secure the funds necessary for the ‘taking in charge’ expenditure that may be necessary to secure the structural future of the harbour.

Cllr Melisa Halpin said: “This is a historic opportunity for the DLR council and for the people of the county, and further afield. Dun Laoghaire Harbour is a Victorian harbour of enormous historic and cultural significance. It is the only intact such harbour in Britain or Ireland. It was the departure point for millions of emigrants and tourists for the best part of 200 years and has a special place in the heart of millions of people across both Islands.

“Today, the harbour is the setting for many international water sports competitions, the East Pier is walked by 1 million people every year. Sensitively developed as a public amenity the harbour provides a first rate opportunity to regenerate the centre of Dun Laoghaire and enhance the prospects of the town and the county as a whole.”

“Over the last number of years this opportunity has been squandered by the Harbour Company. They have wasted funds on expensive and frankly mad-cap projects such as the floating swimming pool, the new berth for mega cruise ships, a ten story apartment block on the historic Carlisle pier, a floating hotel, floating houses and high rise private apartments and hotels; In addition they have sold off a tract of land for private development. These plans never materialised because of opposition from the public, but millions of euros have been wasted in the process. It is high time this dysfunctional quango was wound up”

Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett, raised the issue with the Taoiseach in the Dail yesterday, calling on the government to act swiftly and ensure the quick transfer of ownership, the dissolution of harbour company and to find the necessary funds to ensure this transfer is not a burden on the council or the people of Dun Laoghaire.

He said : “Because of the lack of cooperation of the Harbour Company we still do not have a clear picture of the cost of bringing this under the Council but we are calling on the Minister in charge to make all necessary funds available so that there is no detrimental impact on the council services.”

“The government have sat on their hands over the last 7 years while reports of mismanagement of funds by the harbour company came to light. The current Minister has ignored regular requests by me to act on the Harbours Act 2015 and dissolve the Harbour Company”.

“The Minister and his colleagues in government should recognise the historical and cultural significance of this harbour and see any investment as an investment in our infrastructure and our cultural heritage. Now is the time to act swiftly and allow for the future development of our harbour in the interests of the people. I will be contacting Minister Ross for an urgent meeting to discuss the situation.

Dun Laoghaire Harbour

"...the Harbour, by reason of its ownership by the Office of Public Works is the public property of the Irish people.
It is also morally the property of the citizenry of Dun Laoghaire to whom it is not only
an economic but an aesthetic, cultural & historic asset..."

(Extract from John de Courcy Ireland's book "History of Dun Laoghaire Harbour" published 2001

Save Our Seafront Public Meeting “Crunch Time for Dun Laoghaire Harbour” Mon 26th February at 7.30 pm, Royal Marine Hotel.

On 6th March, Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council will debate the future ownership of the Harbour. Save Our Seafront wants to ensure that Harbour ownership is transferred by Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Shane Ross to DLR County Council as soon as possible. The Harbour should be under the control of the Council so we can have a coherent plan for its future as a public amenity.
Please come to the meeting and have your say – we need your support !

More inappropriate development of the Harbour

Planning permission is being sought by a company called Harbour Innovation Campus to convert the former Stena Ferry Terminal Building to an office development for between 700 and 1,000 people, with restaurant, cafe, parking and ancillary features. Closing date for submissions is 5th March

Separate Planning permission is being sought for Bus Parking at former Stena Vehicle Compound.

Work continues to be carried out behind the West Pier – it is unclear what is proposed.

​ Save Our Seafront want to see an end to such piecemeal development.
We want a sustainable plan focused on the public which maintains and supports the Harbour facilities as a Marine National Park.

Dun Laoghaire Baths

The latest proposed start date for work on the site is April 2018. Save Our Seafront continues to press for the restoration of the original Dun Laoghaire swimming Baths. Plans for the Badeschiff (floating pool in the Harbour) have thankfully been abandoned.

​​News in Brief - May 2018​Bulloch Harbour UpdateStorm Damage

Dublin Port Company are the owners of Bulloch Harbour and have issued the following statement: "Since the storm damage in March 2018, the entire harbour has been laser and solar scanned to determine if there is any additional damage to the piers above or below the water line. The results of these surveys are expected shortly. After the surveys are analysed a 'Programme of Works' will be implemented to reinstate the harbour wall. Further information will be issued in due course."

200th Anniversary

The 200th Anniversary of the construction of the harbour as it exists today,commences in the autumn of this year and extends to next summer 2019.

Appeal against Refusal of Planning Permission

​ It is anticipated that it will be several months before An Bord Pleanala make a decision on the Appeal.

Bulloch Harbour Preservation Association have incurred considerable expenses in hosting public meetings, printing & postage,engaging professional advice & technical support & would very much appreciate contributions to assist in defraying expenses - donations can be made at link below:

As reported in this morning's Irish Times Sailing Column here, the aim of the Irish Sailing Performance HQ is to house the senior Irish sailing teams and improve both training and educational opportunities for them, thereby creating 'systematic medal potential'.

The Performance HQ will be entirely mobile and will consist of three converted shipping containers which have space for briefings and athlete education, a gym, gear storage and a boat maintenance area. The athlete briefing room can then be shipped directly to international competitions such as the Olympics in Tokyo 2020 and provide a base for our athletes overseas. Outside there will be a boat park and a pontoon for launching the boats

..............The new facility will provide senior sailing athletes with an improved, multi-dimensional performance environment. Regular events such as the Youth Sailing Nationals will continue to be hosted by clubs.

......Subject to planning requirements, it is hoped that work will be completed by end of summer 2018

Local yacht clubs, marine businesses and sailing schools were among the attendees of the first ever meeting of Dun Laoghaire Harbour tenants and stakeholders that took place at Ireland's largest boating centre last week. A draft agenda, seen by Afloat.ie, was circulated to over a dozen stakeholders before last Friday's meeting and outlines the purpose of the meeting as a means to 'establish any common concerns so they may be presented to the new landlords on a collective basis'. The meeting comes during a period of intense change in Dun Laoghaire as the 200–year–old harbour is transferred from a state company ownership and into the realm of the local authority.

The well attended meeting discussed items of concern such as mapping out its viable future since the loss of the Car Ferry in 2015. The group agreed to a further update in a month's time when the local authority will have taken over the running of the harbour.

Councillors on Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council have unanimously agreed to send a highly critical letter to Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, taking him to task over his attitude to the transfer of Dún Laoghaire harbour to the Council. Legislation from 2015 envisages that the historic harbour will soon come under the control of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, but in March, councillors were stunned to learn that independent risk assessors estimate the cost of repairs to the harbour could be €33.5 million.

Councillors are now faced with a huge financial burden that they say will massively compromise the Council’s ability to deliver services locally, and in the Minister’s own constituency, and could cause significant increases in local property tax and/or commercial rates.

Proposed by the Fine Gael Group Leader, Councillor Barry Ward, the letter to Minister Ross says that “such a move will mean your own constituents will see reductions in the Council’s provision of public facilities such as parks, libraries, sports pitches, road, footpaths, lighting, and a range of other things that we currently provide for the businesses and resident of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown.”

In a stark statement of the Council’s concerns, the letter says that the Minister's decision to transfer the harbour, without any funding “would constitute an act of vandalism”. They remind the Minister that his proposal “will hurt the very people you represent, your own constituents”. The elected members of the Council have asked for the Minister to behave in “a fair and consistent manner” and have now called on him to indemnify the Council against the cost of taking over the harbour, for a period of seven years.

After a 7 year break the Red Bull FlugTag returns to Dun Laoghaire Harbour for a day of free family fun. Join us on Sun 20th May to watch this unique event. If you want to get involved find out more below . https://www.redbull.com/ie-en/red-bull-flugtag-returns-to-ireland

http://dlharbour.ie/event/red-bull-flugtag-returns/

Marine Art Exhibition Dun Laoghaire Harbour 2 June 10am- 4 June 5pm

The Marine Art exhibition returns to the East Pier on 2 - 4 June 2018 The exhibition started in 2015 and features a host of local artists exhibiting some beautiful artistic impressions of the Harbour and its surrounds. Now in its 4th year running we welcome the team back for another 4 exhibitions this summer.http://dlharbour.ie/event/marine-art-exhibition/

​Dolphins Spotted at Play Inside Dun Laoghaire Harbour !

The National Yacht Club's Mal Nowlan couldn't believe his eyes on Saturday afternoon when a pod of dolphins came into the harbour to play around his boat.

'I was calibrating my RIB’s compass when DBSC’s Committee Boat 'Freebird' came into the harbour after racing. I thought my eyes were codding me as I glimpsed something rise off her bow', Mal told Afloat.ie. Dolphins have become relatively common in the Bay in recent years but they're still a very rare sight within the harbour walls. 'I watched and saw what I reckon was a group of five dolphins escort Freebird almost to the marina break-water before turning and heading slowly back to sea', Mal said.

Reports from Scotland say, from April into May, dolphins are widely expected as the migratory salmon run picks up a bit of pace and the dolphins arrange themselves around specific places. Perhaps this is a coming trend further down the Irish Sea now too? The bottlenose dolphin is possibly the most socially active of the dolphin species that we get in the comparatively chilly waters of Dublin Bay. As the capital's waters have become cleaner, dolphins are popular visitors, so lets hope recent reports of murkiness don't turn them away.

Documents obtained by The Irish Times show the Norwegian multinational believes now is a “pivotal time for Ireland to bring offshore wind into the energy mix”.A briefing note prepared for Mr Naughton by the company before a meeting in January detailed how Statoil believes that offshore wind generation may be required to reach decarbonisation targets, “support economic growth and diversify Ireland’s energy sources”.......................................

more athttps://www.irishtimes.com/business/energy-and-resources/ireland-has-enormous-potential-for-offshore-wind-statoil-1.3479624?mode=amp

It is moving on at last from being a commercial working ferry port, with a very strong recreational side, to a new identity as a leisure facility providing for multiple activities afloat and ashore. This arguably unique and undoubtedly massive granite structure is finally beginning the keenly-anticipated process of officially becoming a public amenity and a marine sport and general recreational area, with all the myriad challenges of finance, user priorities, accessibility, responsibility and day-to-day running and maintenance requiring a fresh way of thinking.

In the midst of this radical change, one noted Dun Laoghaire commercial recreational business – an operation which in its earlier days had something of a maverick reputation - is increasingly seen as a pillar of the new arrangements which will have to be developed to secure the Harbour’s future. The Irish National Sailing School is celebrating forty years of existence in 2018. Yet it still seems to operate with that special energy of the new game-changers who are determined that their vision of a properly developed sailing future for Dun Laoghaire – and for Dublin Bay and Ireland too – is seen as one of the right ways to go.........................................

More at https://afloat.ie/blogs/sailing-saturday-with-wm-nixon/item/39079-kenneth-rumball-of-irish-national-sailing-school-in-dun-laoghaire-has-clear-sense-of-direction-while-harbour-s-future-is-changing​More Plastic Than Fish in Our Oceans by 2050 – UN Report

Sinn Féin MEP Liadh Ní Riada has warned that, according to a UN report, there will be more plastic waste in our oceans than fish by 2050.

The Ireland South MEP gave the stark warning as she addressed the European Parliament on the urgent need to tackle plastic pollution. Ms Ní Riada, who sits on the EU Fisheries Committee, said we all had to take responsibility for the problem, citing Ireland as one of the worst polluting offenders. “Plastic pollution is affecting marine life in even the most remote parts of the Atlantic Ocean,” she said. “Almost three quarters of a sample of more than 230 deep water fish collected by NUI Galway scientists had ingested plastic particles. “However, it's important we recognise that it is not the fisheries that are solely responsible for this but they are part of the answer. Indeed, fisheries were, in my view, the first environmentalists; they had to be in order to maintain and sustain a living.

“We have to tackle this issue now, as a matter of urgency. Already we have seen reports predicting that there will be more plastic waste than fish in our oceans by 2050. “To treat this as anything other than an emergency is to condemn future generations to dying oceans and a corrupted environment. “The issue, like the oceans it's affecting, can seem so vast that it is beyond our ability to act but there are practical solutions that we can apply. “Education, for example, is key in this and the Polluter Pays Principle has to come into effect.

“Manufacturers must take responsibility and ownership of the fact that they are producing these vast amounts of plastic, be it nets or be it in the ordinary every day use of things like plastic bottles. “We all use plastic on so many different levels and we all have to be individually responsible for our own use but if we are to begin undoing the damage that we have cause to our oceans then manufacturers must play a key role. “Looking at the extension of initiatives such as the Litter Scheme may also help. Incentivising fisheries to grab in the ghost nets is a positive move but we should examine extending that a bit further and invest more in our fisheries to try and incentivise them to gather up plastic as they're fishing. “We also need to look at plastic recycling and how that feeds into the circular economy.

“There are many positive things in today's report. I look forward to examining it and putting forward some of my own amendments. “But let there be no doubt about how big this issue is and how crucial it is that we all accept our responsibility in having contributed to it. “For example, I'm ashamed to say that Ireland is one of the top polluters and that's not a record that we're proud of. “As an Irish person, as an Irish MEP I am more than willing to get stuck into this issue to see can we tackle it once and for all, both the existing problem and the future problems that its going to cause.”

Afloat.ie sources confirm that Stena Carrier is alongside at number two berth in Dun Laoghaire for 'survey work' but there will be many in the vacant harbour hoping that this could possibly be the start of a new relationship with the Scandinavian company

Big Splash Water Parks Ltd has lodged a planning exemption application for an inflatable waterpark and barge to be installed in the Coal Harbour, after winning a tender from the Dun Laoghaire Harbour Company to provide the recreational amenity.

The inflatable aqua park would comprise an inflatable obstacle course with a barge for changing facilities. No works or change of use would be involved in its installation and therefore it does not constitute a development, the applicant states.

The €33.5 million figure for "Taking in Charge" of Dun Laoghaire Harbour in the transfer to Dun Laoghaire Rathdown is a broad brush number and needs to be examined writes Dun Laoghaire sailor Hal Sisk.

During the recent DLR Council debate on the transfer, in response to queries, only four cost components were itemised by the consulting engineer for the accountancy firm conducting a financial "risk assessment": €3m for the East Pier; €4m for the West Pier; €8m for repairs to piles at Berth1; €800k for annual maintenance.

But most of the €33.5m was not itemised, and crucially, the report seemed to presume the putting right of all the structures including the now obsolete ferry berth. With the future of the Harbour as a Marine Park, with improved Public Access, and a Water Sports Centre, and thus without commercial port activity needing berths, most of the €33.5m may be unnecessary.

East Pier: €3m? Previously independently assessed at €4m, so plausible.

With €4m for West Pier, this leaves €26.5m for other repairs. But how much is actually necessary? €8m of this was described as "for repair to piles at Berth 1". But if there are no ferries, why spend money repairing a redundant structure? What other structures are irrelevant?

"An alternative new vision for the Harbour could make the cost of "Taking in Charge" hugely overstated" Similarly, if the basic structure of the Harbour is put right, especially the Piers and the Roundheads, which are "protected structures", the engineer's estimate of €800k for maintenance may also be overstated.

But the Taking in Charge numbers, together with recent damage to the East and West Piers by Storm Emma, also suggests an accumulated deficit by DLHC in maintaining this national asset. Since DLHC cannot address these issues, the responsibility reverts to its parent body, the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport.

Minister Confirms ‘All Assets & Liabilities’ Of Dun Laoghaire Harbour Company Will Transfer To Local Authority

DLHarbour - “All assets and liabilities” of Dun LaoghaireHarbour Company will transfer to the local authority upon its pending dissolution — with no additional State funding available, the Minister for Transport has confirmed. Shane Ross was responding in writing to a parliamentary question from local independent county councillor Michael Merrigan, which asked the minister to specify if any funding would be provided “to create a reserve to assist Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council in outstanding liabilities as part of a final agreement of transfer”.

“National Ports Policy recognised that the future of Dun Laoghaire port lies in marine leisure, marine tourism, cultural amenity and urban redevelopment,” Minister Ross wrote. “In addition, it clearly states that there is no Exchequer finding for any port company.” Confirming that the existing port company’s assets and liabilities would transfer to DLRCoCo, the minister added that “the port will continue to generate income from marine-related and other activities such as rents, leases and car parks”, and that any remedial and engineering works “are normally prioritised” and funded via planned allocations.

Cllr Merrigan’s question raised concerns that Dun Laoghaire Harbour company’s financial liabilities “are greater than its liquid assets” and that the transfer comes with “risks and potential exposure” to the local authority. The minister “needs to clarify funding” on the foot of a “€33.5 million burden on residents and businesses” in the county, the councillor added.

Earlier this week it emerged that Minister Ross had made his determination that the “responsibility for the future of the port lies with DLR County Council”.

The move is being hailed as a victory for “people power” by People Before Profit TD Richard Boyd Barrett, a long-time local campaigner for bringing the harbour under public control.

Minister Ross is set to meet with the chief executive of Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council to discuss the dissolution of Dun Laoghaire Harbour Company and the transfer of its assets to the local authority. “[Successive Transport Ministers’] failure to act has meant that significant liabilities have built up and a lot of public money has been wasted,” said Deputy Boyd Barrett. “The Government needs to now stump up the money needed to cover these liabilities, while ensuring no delay in the transfer of the harbour into full public control.”

​In 2005 proposals were put forward by Dun Laoghaire Rathdown Co Council for development of an 8-storey complex consisting of 180 apartments and retail units on the Baths site which would involve reclaiming 5 acres of the sea.

Save our Seafront mounted a campaign of opposition to this proposal, which would have been effectively a privatisation of the seafront. SOS organised a huge rally & protest march on 18 September 2005 at Newtownsmith against the proposal, asking that it be abandoned and the public baths be restored instead. 5000 people protested at the rally & march and due to public pressure these plans were dropped but we are still awaiting the restoration of the Baths

SOS has continued over the years to press for restoration of the Baths. Plans for refurbishment of the area are now being implemented. Although this is to be welcomed and will be a definite improvement on the previous proposal and the present long-derelict site, the swimming pool at this site which the public have been demanding since 2005 is not presently included in the plans. SOS continues to request that a swimming facility be provided as part of the Baths refurbishment.

Dun Laoghaire Baths to Get €9m Overhaul - New Jetty for Kayaks, Canoes & Small Craft

Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council has signed a €9 million contract with SIAC-Mantovani for the redevelopment of the old Dún Laoghaire Baths site. As Afloat.ie reported previously, the approved plans will see the retention of the existing baths building and include a new pedestrian walkway between the promenade at Newtownsmith and the rear of the East Pier. Proposed new amenities include a small café, public toilets, an artist space, up-grading of the existing maritime gardens and a new jetty for access to the sea for kayaks, canoes and small craft.

Welcoming the redevelopment of the seafront, the Cathaoirleach of Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council, Cllr. Tom Murphy (FF) said “this investment will see a rebirth of the area between the East Pier and Newtownsmith, which has been derelict since the old baths closed in 1997.”Cormac Devlin, who is a councillor for the area, welcomed the investment in Dún Laoghaire Town saying, “it has been a very long road, the Baths and the Rainbow Rapids closed in 1997 and in the interim several plans have come and gone. They proved unacceptable due to their high-rise nature and unsuitability to the site. This proposal is in keeping with the low-rise built environment surrounding the site and ensures that the site remains in public ownership.”The Baths were first constructed in 1843, the baths were completely redeveloped by the then Kingstown Town Council in 1910 and operated until 1997 when they were closed.

In March 2010, a report was brought before Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council setting out the rationale for the redevelopment of the old Dún Laoghaire Baths site. Councillors agreed the future parameters of development on the site, which included securing the baths pavilion, removing dilapidated structures, enhancing the connection between Newtownsmith and the East Pier and ensuring access to the water’s edge. The Council made a formal application for a Foreshore Licence to the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government in December 2012. Approval in principle was granted by the Department and Council approval given in March 2015 following a successful public consultation process. In the summer of 2017, the Council erected several information boards on the facade of the prominent Baths building to inform the public of the approved plans for the site. However the project was delayed when exploratory engineering works found that part of the site formed a retaining wall for Queens Road. This resulted in a significant increase in the estimated cost of the project. In March this year, the Council agreed to fund the renovation as part of an overall €10.3 investment as part of their Capital Programme.

Councillor Devlin acknowledged that a lot of people would have liked to have seen the retention of a public swimming facility on the site, however the proposal includes provision for a jetty which will provide access into the bay.

​https://afloat.ie/port-news/dun-laoghaire-news/item/38906-dun-laoghaire-baths-to-get-9m-overhaul-new-jetty-for-kayaks-canoes-small-craft​Innogy and Saorgus Energy plan to build the Dublin Array 10 kilometres off the coast of Dublin

Innogy has acquired a 50% stake in the proposed up-to 600MW Dublin Array offshore wind project in the Irish Sea.

The German energy company’s Irish subsidiary Innogy Renewables Ireland will partner with Irish developer Saorgus Energy on the project, which could include as many as 145 turbines. Innogy will lead the next phase of development, carrying the Dublin Array through to planning consent, the two companies announced.

The Dublin Array site has been in development since the late 1990s, but progress has been slow, and it still requires foreshore leases, according to the project’s website. Aidan Forde, director of Saorgus Energy, said: "We are pleased that Innogy, with their extensive offshore wind experience are on board with us in the development of the Dublin Array project." The German utility has a 13.5% share in the 332MW Nordsee One project, built the 353MW Galloper wind farm, which it says "is in the final stages of commissioning", and fully owns the 860MW Triton Knoll wind farm, which was awarded a contract for difference (CfD) by the UK government in September. Further info at link below

............"If we see Dun Laoghaire harbour as a natural feature of Dublin Bay, rather than as some enormous artificial construct from which income should be extracted through every possible source, then its continued existence as a National Heritage site & relatively uncommercialised recreational amenity for the general good might make more sense".........................

Another surefire topic is the future direction of Dun Laoghaire Harbour, a matter exacerbated by the damage sustained in the recent storms. How will such repairs be paid for in the long run? Should it be seen as much as a National Heritage site as much as a harbour?Well, as one of the points made in all the debates about the Old Granite Pond is that, for all its artificial origins, there’s something about Dun Laoghaire Harbour which makes it seem like a natural feature of Dublin Bay, why not treat it as just that, and look on repairs as being the treatment of coastal erosion, rather than ordinary harbour maintenance matters?

(extracts from "Sailing on Saturdays" with W. M. Nixon)https://afloat.ie/blogs/sailing-saturday-with-wm-nixon/item/38874-despite-the-weather-irish-youth-pathway-nationals-brings-fresh-perspective-on-junior-sailing-dun-laoghaire-harboursite and relatively uncommercialied amenity for the general good might make more sensePhoto: Irish SailingAlistair Rumball Celebrates 40 Years of Irish National Sailing School !

On Wednesday the 18th of April at 8pm, school founder and centre principal Alistair Rumball will deliver a talk titled “A life in the Irish National Sailing School”. Reflections on 40 years of teaching, the highlights and plenty of entertaining tales all are on the agenda. Alistair will also share his views on the future of sailing, both in Dun Laoghaire and more generally................

​More at https://afloat.ie/sail/how-to-sail/inss/item/38859-alistair-rumball-celebrates-40-years-of-irish-national-sailing-schoolDamage To Dun Laoghaire’s West Pier Could Indicate Undermining Of Roundheads

Concerns have been raised over apparent damage to the East and West Piers in Dun Laoghaire Harbour that may be worse than previously estimated.

Visibly damaged stonework lies at the waterline of the West Pier roundhead some four weeks after Storm Emma resulted in “substantial damage” to the East Pier, as previously reported on Afloat.ie.

One large part of the concrete and stone ‘apron’ just before the roundhead, estimated at 50 tons, appears to have been upended and moved as much as 40 metres.

Evidence of subsidence is also visible above the low water line on the outside pace of the roundhead, which may also be a result of last month’s storm.

There are growing fears that this surface damage may indicate further damage undermining the structure of the pier roundhead — a problem that could be exacerbated by thrusters of cruise liners should proposals for a new berth come to fruition, it has been suggested.

Permission has been refused for the above proposal. The Planning Authority considers that the proposal directly conflicts with the concurrent strategic infrastructure development application currently with An Bord Pleanala for a cruise berth facility

​News in Brief - March 2018

​Bulloch Harbour - Appeal Lodged

An Appeal has been lodged 21 March by Bartra Property (Dublin) Ltd with An Bord Pleanala against Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council's recent decision to again refuse permission for development at the former Western Marine site in Bulloch Harbour.

Submissions or observations to An Bord Pleanala in relation to this Appeal must be accompanied by a fee of €50 & be received by An Bord Pleanala within 4 weeks of date of receipt of the Appeal by An Bord Pleanala, i.e..by 17 April 2018, under reference number ABP-301237-18

Storm Damage to Pier at Bulloch Harbour

The two recent violent easterly storms in March have severely damaged the north-eastern corner of the main pier, behind the Trident Diving Club hut and adjoining the breakwater. Large cut granite blocks, some weighing up to 3 tonnes have been dislodged and tossed around like Lego bricks.

SOS understands that Dublin Port Company engineers have visited the harbour several times to assess the damage and prepare plans for the necessary repairs. This will take some time as the pier is a listed structure, and foreshore licences will be required before proceeding with any work. At present no schedule for the reconstruction work has been issued. In the meantime the damaged corner of the pier, and access to the breakwater has been closed and fenced off for safety.

These storms were among the worst in living memory. The pier had remained intact for 199 years since it was completed in 1819, and we look forward to celebrating the 200th Anniversary with repairs completed.

Could Council Vote Signal a New Master Plan for Dun Laoghaire Harbour?

The debate in the Council Chambers showed that there is an appetite to bring the harbour under the auspices of the County Council, not only amongst the Councillors but also at senior management level. In recommending this course of action, Philomena Poole, DLR’s CEO, addressing the council, stated that this was an “opportunity to use government policy for the betterment of the county and to ensure the integration at a policy and development level of the harbour”.

However, there is the small question of who pays for the works that would put the harbour into a “taking in charge” condition, essentially that state where no capital works are required to prevent further deterioration of the infrastructure. Consultants employed by the County Council estimate this to be €33m, of which approximately €7m covers the outer piers and €8m is for repairing berth no 1 on the East Pier. Councillors were unanimous that the €33m was not something that the county council could or should underwrite and this hot potato was very firmly hurled towards national government. Ironically, recent damage to East Pier during Storm Emma highlighted how DLHC is unsustainable an entity.

There were strong opinions expressed during the debate about the role of the Harbour Company, none of them positive, not only concerning the Harbour Company’s recent progress or lack of it, but also about the non–cooperation with the consultants as they endeavoured to calculate the liabilities. Several referred to the “dysfunctionality” of the Harbour Company while Councillor John Bailey was particularly scathing of the Harbour’s approach noting that the Harbour Company “is dead, not even on life support.” He was to the forefront amongst Councillors concerned that the ‘snapshot’ provided by the consultants through the risk report fell short of the information that would be available in a due diligence report.

Another motion that was withdrawn was a proposal to create a Harbour Stakeholder’s Committee.

The activity in the Council Chamber begs the question where next? Those who were seeking to engage with the Harbour Company on current projects must be concerned about the longer term viability. With the future governance of the harbour in doubt, where do the current planning applications for developments on harbour lands fit in?

While the County Council vote is indicative of the intent of Dun Laoghaire Rathdown, it is perhaps only the beginning of the end and maybe even back to the drawing board for a new master plan for the harbour.

The council meeting heard that the decision to transfer is wholly reserved to the Minister for Transport. Is it a bright new future or same old same old for the 200–year–old harbour? Clearly the ball is now firmly in the Minister’s court. Read also:Without a Harbour Czar, Dun Laoghaire’s All at Sea

https://afloat.ie/port-news/dun-laoghaire-news/item/38665-could-county-council-vote-signal-a-new-master-plan-for-dun-laoghaire-harbourSenator says Dun Laoghaire Cruise Ship Plans not dead in the water yet

In a further twist in the long running proposed cruise Line berth at Dun Laoghaire Harbour, An Bord Pleanála has written to Dun Laoghaire Harbour Company this week requesting them to furnish further information in relation to the effects on the environment of the proposed development. The board is also seeking further technical and scientific information on the project. In effect, it means the board is still not in a position to make its determination on the Cruise Ship Project for the Dublin Bay Harbour that this week also saw its transfer into Council ownership move a step closer.

As regular Afloat.ie readers will know, a year ago Dún Laoghaire Harbour Company (DLHC) issued a statement on its cruise berth facility following a court case decision in which environmental lobby group Save our Seafront, chaired by local TD Richard Boyd Barrett, 'won its legal action against the decision to grant planning permission for the Dún Laoghaire Cruise Terminal'.

This week's An Bord Pleanála request has drawn a swift response from Independent Senator, Victor Boyhan, who has expressed his concerns about the capacity of An Bord Pleanála to 'deliver planning decisions in a timely manner'. “In particular, I am concerned by its handling of the Dún Laoghaire Harbour cruise ship terminal project. A controversial development, by Dún Laoghaire Harbour Company, which has proven to be a very divisive project.”“An Bord Pleanála received more than 150 objections to the project and it was expected that it would announce its decision to grant, amend or refuse planning permission for the development in Dún Laoghaire Harbour by 8 January 2016.” “It further extended the decision date to April and thereafter extended it again this time to 17 June 2016.” “Local residents and harbour users who paid fees to engaged in the planning appeals process are frustrated by the inordinate delays, in what is supposed to be a ‘fast-track’ planning process.”

“In recent days, an Bord Pleanála ( Ref: 06D.PA0051 ( PA0042) 7th March 2018, has confirmed that it is still not in a position to make its determination on the Cruise Ship Project and has written to Dun Laoghaire Harbour Company requesting them to furnish further information in relation to the effects on the environment of the proposed development the board is also seeking further technical and scientific information on the project.” “I am calling on An Bord Pleanála to explain why it has failed to reach a decision on the controversial proposal within the initial 18-week timeframe objective set by the board and to give reasons for the ongoing delays in this particular planning saga.” “The government expanded the remit of an Bord Pleanála to fast-track certain planning projects, this planning application case highlights the need for a new and more professional approach to deal with planning appeals.” Boyhan says the case highlighted the need for a total review of the boards capacity to achieved its own planning timelines and targets.

​https://afloat.ie/port-news/dun-laoghaire-news/item/38637-senator-says-dun-laoghaire-cruise-ship-plans-not-dead-in-the-water-yetGreat news from Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council

After a long council meeting last night, attended by many members and supporters of Save Our Seafront, the council voted 24 - 9 in favour of a motion proposed by Cllr Melisa Halpin and seconded by Cllr Dave O Keeffe to support the Chief Executive's recommendation to bring Dun Laoghaire harbour under democratic control of the council.

Save Our Seafront has long been campaigning for this, in order to ensure the development of Dun Laoghaire Harbour in the interests of the people, the town, the county and indeed the whole country.

The vote took place in the context of a recent risk assessment received by the council which shows the figure of €31.5 million to bring the harbour up to “Taking in Charge” standard. This is a notional figure which may be needed to be spent over the coming years to maintain the harbour in first class condition. Cllr Halpin's motion went on to call for the Minister for Transport to secure the fundsnecessary for the ‘taking in charge’ expenditure that may be necessary to secure the structural future of the harbour.

Cllr Melisa Halpin said: “This is a historic opportunity for the DLR council and for the people of the county, and further afield. Dun Laoghaire Harbour is a Victorian harbour of enormous historic and cultural significance. It is the only intact such harbour in Britain or Ireland. It was the departure point for millions of emigrants and tourists for the best part of 200 years and has a special place in the heart of millions of people across both Islands.

“Today, the harbour is the setting for many international water sports competitions, the East Pier is walked by 1 million people every year. Sensitively developed as a public amenity the harbour provides a first rate opportunity to regenerate the centre of Dun Laoghaire and enhance the prospects of the town and the county as a whole.”

“Over the last number of years this opportunity has been squandered by the Harbour Company. They have wasted funds on expensive and frankly mad-cap projects such as the floating swimming pool, he new berth for mega cruise ships, a ten story apartment block on the historic Carlisle pier, a floating hotel, floating houses and high rise private apartments and hotels; In addition they have sold off a tract of land for private development. These plans never materialised because of opposition from the public, but millions of euros have been wasted in the process. It is high time this dysfunctional quango was wound up,”

Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett, raised the issue with the Taoiseach in the Dail

yesterday, calling on the government to act swiftly and ensure the quick transfer of ownership, the dissolution of harbour company and to find the necessary funds to ensure this transfer is not a burden on the council or the people of Dun Laoghaire.

He said : “Because of the lack of cooperation of the Harbour Company we still do not have a clear picture of the cost of bringing this under the Council but we are calling on the Minister in charge to make all necessary funds available so that there is no detrimental impact on the council services.”

“The government have sat on their hands over the last 7 years while reports of

mismanagement of funds by the harbour company came to light. The current Minister has ignored regular requests by me to act on the Harbours Act 2015 and dissolve the Harbour Company”.

“The Minister and his colleagues in government should recognise the historical and cultural significance of this harbour and see any investment as an investment in our infrastructure and our cultural heritage. Now is the time to act swiftly and allow for the future development of our harbour in the interests of the people. I will be contacting Minister Ross for an urgent meeting to discuss the situation.

The concession notice for the estimated €15 million development stipulates that some 60% of the Coal Harbour area has been earmarked for the plan, which is expected to comprise around “50 single-storey affordable floating homes for rental by the candidate.”

The harbour company adds: “It is important that any development is high quality and sensitive to the site’s high profile waterside location.”

There is 'substantial damage' to Dun Laoghaire's East Pier following Storm Emma. The bad news for the harbour, following its bicentenary year, comes as Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council will recommend the dissolution of Dun Laoghaire Harbour Company and the transfer of its assets to the local authority at a meeting this week.

The latest photos show the bandstand area of the East Pier now requiring major repair works. See photo above

Officials have described the damage as 'substantial'. Unfortunately, it is an example of the type of ongoing maintenance and repiar costs required at the Victorian Harbour as Dun Laoghaire County Councillors prepare to debate the takeover of the running of the harbour from the harbour company.

Responding to the damage to the surface of the upper East Pier and sun shelter and to ensure the safety of our visiting public, Harbour CEO Gerry Dunne says he has 'closed the upper level of the East Pier until further notice'. Barriers and signage will be erected. 'We are carrying out some emergency repairs to the lower level and hope to keep this open to the public. The Battery is unaffected. A section of the West Pier will also be closed' Dunne told Afloat.ie

Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council will recommend the dissolution of Dun Laoghaire Harbour Company and the transfer of its assets to the local authority at a meeting this week.

Following months of slow progress, DLRCoCo chief executive Philomela Poole will tell councillors tomorrow (Tuesday, 6 March) that the second of two options as outlined in the Harbours Act 2015 is best to help secure Dun Laoghaire’s future — a move that is being hailed by local campaigners Save Our Seafront.

In an information pack distributed to DLRCoCo members in advance of next week’s meeting, as seen by Afloat.ie, Poole states: “It has become increasingly clear over the past decade that the long-term future of Dun Laoghaire Harbour Company will be in terms of marine leisure, maritime tourism, cultural amenity and urban redevelopment … Therefore it is appropriate that the plans be developed under the aegis of and in co-operation with Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council.”

Following months of slow progress, DLRCoCo chief executive Philomela Poole will tell councillors on Tuesday 6 March that the second of two options as outlined in the Harbours Act 2015 is best to help secure Dun Laoghaire’s future — a move that is being hailed by local campaigners Save Our Seafront.

In an information pack distributed to DLRCoCo members in advance of next week’s meeting, as seen by Afloat.ie, Poole states: “It has become increasingly clear over the past decade that the long-term future of Dun Laoghaire Harbour Company will be in terms of marine leisure, maritime tourism, cultural amenity and urban redevelopment … Therefore it is appropriate that the plans be developed under the aegis of and in co-operation with Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council.”

Under the Harbours Act 2015, the Minister for Transport may choose between two options for the future governance of Dun Laoghaire Harbour: the transfer of shareholding of the harbour company to DLRCoCo, or the dissolution of the company and transfers of its assets, liabilities and staff to the local authority.

A risk assessment undertaken by consultants The Finance Expert concluded that the financial risks to the council “would be common to both options” but of the two, the second gives “a lower operational risk and more direct control of the harbour’s activities.”

The risk assessment, based on accounts ending 31 December 2016, projects the net financial risk for the period 2018-2022 as €33.5 million — the bulk of this to bring the harbour up to ‘taking-in-charge’ standard.

However, Afloat.ie understands that a figure in excess of €150 million over 10 years for harbour infrastructure alone has been mooted — while another source estimates conservation and repair at some €250,000 per annum.

In addition, the risk assessment did not examine or evaluate “potential legal costs associated with resolving the ownership of the foreshore at St Michael’s Pier.”

Previous months' News Items are still available ​at News Archive tabBirdwatch Ireland conduct Seabird SurveyFrom This Island Nation - Tom McSweeney.........Without a lot of public attention Birdwatch Ireland, the conservation organisation which protects Ireland's birds and their habitats, is engaged in an extensive survey of seabirds. Ireland is a very important country for seabirds which are, in my view, marvellous creatures of Nature. The variety of seabirds around our coastline is huge, but they are facing several threats and, if the issues are not resolved, some species could face extinction.............................I spent a very pleasant hour or so with Niall Hatch, Development Officer of Birdwatch Ireland discussing why Ireland is such an important location for seabirds and why it is vital to support work being undertaken to ensure their future and, particularly, that of species which are threatened with extinction.“Ireland is incredibly important for seabirds. We are home to populations of many scarce and threatened species,” Niall told me. “Given our location, at the very edge of Europe, we are the last point of departure as they leave and the first port-of-call for those coming in from the Atlantic.On this week’s THIS ISLAND NATION, which you can listen to below, he outlines the threats of extinction faced by several species of seabirds, describes the survey work being done in this regard and, in a wider perspective, talks about the involvement of Birdwatch Ireland internationally and the efforts to protect that legendary bird associated with the sea, the Albatross.

Not Enough People Listen to the Sound of the Sea !from This Island Nation by Tom McSweeney

"..............The late Dr.John de Courcy Ireland once envisaged for me, in a description I have never forgotten, a group of men, attired in suits, standing on a cliff top in glorious weather, the sun shining on the seascape behind them … the surface of the sea dappled superbly as the waves lapped the shoreline and then he stressed, I said, Tom, “behind them…” Because they had their backs turned to the sea and were looking inwards, towards the land … Their focus was not on what the sea which surrounds this island and what it has to offer this island nation… … They had no thought, appreciation, or understanding of what the sea offered, he said, how essential it is to this small island on the western edge of Europe … Their thoughts were “inward looking” – not “outwards..”And such their national policies have been, reducing the biggest economic resource this nation has to a lowly place in their priorities while they concentrated on what they termed “direct foreign investment…..” placing the nation’s dependence on outside factors, rather than nurturing its greatest resource……“Those on the cliff top,” Dr de Courcy told me, “were the politicians and, the planners, the elite who thought they know what Ireland should be… but who were blind to the sea…”

I have thought, often, of those words and I consider them again now, as another year turns … one ends and another begins….and I wonder where the maritime sphere is in the national psyche................

The national media, with a small few exceptions, does not adequately report the maritime sphere….. which is why, despite being told that it was “a lost cause..” I will continue to do so… because I believe that appreciation and understanding of the sea is vital to an island nation…Not enough people listen to the sound of the sea and that includes the State, industry and the media…........................."

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​Providence Resources extends first phase of Kish Bank Basin licence

photo of Kish Lighthouse from Killiney Hill

Save our Seafront, as part of the An Taisce National Springclean 2016, organised a cleanup of Dun Laoghaire seafront from the Baths to the West Pier.

Dun Laoghaire Harbour Company is seeking expressions of interest to operate a “Flotel” in Dun Laoghaire Harbour. According to a notice posted 12 July 2016 on the government e-tenders website, operators are sought to run a “Flotel” in Dun Laoghaire Harbour​